UNDERSTANDING THE NFL'S INJURY REPORT

The injury report released by the NFL is two reports. The first is the Practice Participation report, which lists which injured players were able to practice and how much. It also includes players who rested or missed practice for non-injury-related reasons. The second is the Game Status Report, which gives the probability a player will play, i.e. Questionable, Doubtful, Out. The Practice Participation Report is released every day of the week (Monday through Saturday). The Game Status Report is released with the Friday participation report (Wednesday for Thursday games, Saturday for Monday games).

In this feature, I'll include the Game Status Listing, my expectation of their likelihood to play, and the player's practice participation throughout the week.

Key:

PLAYER | INJURY | GAME STATUS LISTING | FOOTBALLGUYS EXPECTATION

Practice Participation Listing by Day

* = playing on Monday night

I'll also include a table at the bottom of the article for easy reference.

Here's the latest on every relevant injured player on the practice participation and game status report this week:

Current Status on High Impact Injured Players

Scroll down for full details, extensive updates, and the complete table of projected availability. Here are the most important notes for this week's games:

Game-time Decision

• WR Mike Williams -- trending probable
• WR Terry McLaurin -- trending probable
• RB Damien Harris
• WR Allen Robinson -- trending probable
• WR Jarvis Landry -- remains on IR
• WR T.Y. Hilton -- activated, expected to play
• WR Darius Slayton

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• WR Tyreek Hill
• RB Ezekiel Elliott
• RB Joe Mixon
• RB Kareem Hunt
• RB Antonio Gibson
• RB Chase Edmonds
• TE T.J. Hockenson
• WR Kadarius Toney
• QB Tua Tagovailoa
• RB Melvin Gordon

Ruled Out

• RB Christian McCaffrey
• RB Nick Chubb
• RB Chris Carson >> IR
• WR Curtis Samuel
• WR Kenny Golladay
• WR DeVante Parker

COVID-reserve

• RB Damien Williams
• RB Samaje Perine
• ARI HC Kliff Kingsbury

QUARTERBACK

Tua Tagovailoa | Ribs | Designated to return - Questionable | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Designated to return - no official practice participation

Tagovailoa is expected to start in London after missing three games with rib fractures. Tagovailoa told reporters he was not 100% healthy but was 100% ready to return. There should not be a high risk of aggravation at this point in his recovery. Pain management and padding will be necessary but should not be limiting factors. Expect a period of inconsistent accuracy in his first series back and limited rushing attempts.

Others of note: Kyler Murray (shoulder), Lamar Jackson (illness), Joe Burrow (throat), Daniel Jones (concussion), Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral), and Justin Fields (rib, knee) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Dalvin Cook | Ankle | Not listed | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Full | Fri - Full

Cook didn't play in Week 3, aggravated his high ankle sprain in Week 4, then was not healthy enough to play last week. With the Vikings' bye week looming in Week 7, Cook's status was in doubt after Wednesday's limited practice.

Thankfully, Wednesday's workout went very well and Cook returned to full practices on Thursday and Friday. He is not listed on the game status report and will play.

There are a number of variables in projecting Cook's workload. The consecutive full practices, his superior talent, and the additional time to recover through the Week 7 bye all argue Cook can be expected to see 15-20+ touches. The risk of aggravation now looks minimal, but still remains a concern, and Alexander Mattison (who was also limited in practice with a shoulder injury) is capable of taking an extra series if needed.

I lean toward the more optimistic scenario right now.

Ezekiel Elliott | Ribs | Questionable | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

Elliott spent the week in treatment for a rib injury. He told reporters he made progress through the week and is expected to play.

Tony Pollard had a higher snap share last week after Elliott's injury, seeing 40% of the team's snaps versus his previous 25-38% share. Elliott will require pain management and padding to play. While there's downside given the risk of aggravation, expect the Cowboys to try to get Elliott his typical workload if he's running effectively and has no physical limitations.

Joe Mixon | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited

Despite weekend reports Mixon could see close to his usual workload last week, he played just 19 snaps (28%). However, Mixon did get 11 touches and did not look limited on a second-half touchdown carry.

The Thursday DNP was initially worrisome but proved to be midweek rest after Mixon proved he was fit enough to play on Wednesday. The Bengals confirmed Friday that Mixon would play despite being listed questionable.

Zac Taylor was asked if Mixon would have a snap count this week and told reporters the team did not plan to limit Mixon's touches. With Samaje Perine on the COVID-reserve list, there's little established competition for snaps. Expect Mixon to see 20+ touches.

Kareem Hunt | Wrist / Knee | Questionable | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited

Generally, when a player is receiving treatment for multiple injuries at the start of the week without an obvious injury concern from the previous week, it's likely to be general soreness and not a significant concern. In Hunt's case, the Browns knew Nick Chubb was unavailable this week and had every incentive to be careful with Hunt's practice reps.

Local writers and teammates all expect Hunt to play and have a big week. Unless there's a concerning weekend report from Adam Schefter, expect Hunt to approach 20+ touches.

Sunday update: Kevin Stefanski expects Hunt to get the bulk of the touches today but Tom Pelissero cautions the Browns may not "run Hunt into the ground" with a Thursday night game next week and Nick Chubb's status still in doubt.

Antonio Gibson | Shin | Questionable | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

Gibson continues to play through a stress reaction in his shin. His playing share has consistently remained in the 55-60% range for the past four weeks, with J.D. McKissic seeing the bulk of the passing down and receiving work.

Gibson's upside and projection depends on how you read Washington's home matchup versus the Chiefs. Practice participation suggests Gibson remains healthy enough to see 15-20+ touches. If the workload pattern holds and Washington falls behind Kansas City, Gibson's touches could decline this week.

Chase Edmonds | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

Edmonds saw his touches decline significantly last week but his snap share with James Conner did not change much. A full week of limited practice is more reassuring than last week's multiple DNPs. The larger concern with Arizona this week is a road trip to Cleveland to face a tough defensive front without their head coach and play-caller Kliff Kingsbury.

Expect Edmonds to see a full workload on Sunday with minimal decline in effectiveness.

Damien Harris | Ribs | Questionable | Game-time decision

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

After missing snaps at various points of last week's game, the beat writer consensus was that Harris would be inactive after he missed Wednesday practice. Harris was able to do more as the week progressed, however, and there's a higher chance he'll play.

I'll update with weekend reports. Rib injuries are difficult for running backs to play through and a limited workload is possible if Harris is active.

Sunday update: Ian Rapoport tweeted "there is optimism" Harris will play today. It's uncertain, however, and Harris should still be considered a game-time decision.

DAndre Swift | Groin | Questionable | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

Jamaal Williams | Hip / Illness | Questionable | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited

Williams' DNP on Thursday was due to illness and his return to practice on Friday is reassuring.

This week's injury report is no different than the past month for Swift and Williams. The Lions continue to list both questionable after limiting practice reps. Expect their gameday workloads to remain unchanged.

Melvin Gordon | Hip | Questionable | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

Gordon played through a lower leg contusion last week but is listed this week with a hip condition. The questionable tag appears to be a formality again this week. All local writers expect him to play. Despite speculation Javonte Williams would see a higher percentage of the team's offensive snaps, Gordon saw 60% of the running back reps last week.

Others of note: Aaron Jones (ankle), Alexander Mattison (shoulder), Josh Jacobs (illness), and Peyton Barber (toe) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Christian McCaffrey (hamstring), Saquon Barkley (ankle), Nick Chubb (calf), Damien Williams (COVID), Samaje Perine (COVID), and Jordan Wilkins (illness) are doubtful or have been declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

Tyreek Hill | Quad | Questionable | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited

Andy Reid told reporters Hill was "bouncing around pretty good" during Friday's practice. That's a very reassuring note after Hill missed multiple practices with a quad bruise earlier in the week. Expect Hill to see his usual workload.

Mike Williams | Knee | Questionable | Likely to play

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - DNP

Williams was seen limping after an awkward collision with a defender on a long sideline throw last week. He was able to return in the second half and finished with his usual number of snaps.

Brandon Staley told reporters Williams was experiencing swelling in his knee and the team was very cautious with him and chose treatment over limited practice reps. Staley said the Chargers would not know Williams' status until closer to game time. The lack of practice is concerning.

If Williams makes the team flight to Baltimore, he'll have a chance to play and could see close to his usual target share. That looks more doubtful than questionable.

Sunday update: Williams flew with the team to Baltimore. Both Ian Rapoport and Jeremy Fowler report Williams is expected to play. Neither reporter speculated on Williams' usage. Expect a lower floor than usual for Williams.

Justin Jefferson | Ankle | Not listed | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited

Adam Thielen | Foot | Not listed | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited

Jefferson told reporters he was sore but expected to play in multiple media sessions. There was little reporting on Thielen's injury. The Vikings confirmed both were healthy and ready to play but removing them from the injury report on Friday. Expect both to be available for full workloads this week.

Terry McLaurin | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to play

Practice Participation: Wed - Not listed | Thurs - Not listed | Fri - DNP

Ron Rivera told reporters McLaurin was "tight and sore" before Friday's practice and the team elected to remain cautious and have him participate in walkthroughs only. Rivera said, "If we had concern, we wouldn't have had [him] come outside, do anything."

Those comments are reassuring but a late-week hamstring condition is a concern. Expect Washington to re-evaluate McLaurin on Saturday, then work him out pregame to decide on his status.

Sunday update: McLaurin was reportedly "feeling good" on Saturday. Multiple reporters are optimistic McLaurin will be available today. Washington elevated Antonio Gandy-Golden to the active roster on Saturday, a move that likely has more to do with the loss of Curtis Samuel and questionable status of Dyami Brown.

Allen Robinson | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to play

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited

Robinson's status is unknown. He played his usual 80+% snaps last week and the team did not disclose an injury after the game. A limited Friday practice may be reassuring. The Bears commonly list players they expect to play as questionable and there's little to glean from their injury report.

I'll update with more specific reports as available through the weekend. Have alternatives ready. The Bears play at home and we may not see any updates until Sunday morning inactives.

Sunday update: Overnight reports were optimistic. Robinson is expected to play.

Jarvis Landry | Knee | Designated to return | Likely inactive

The Browns waited until Friday to designate Landry to return to practice. The timing is odd. There's no concern Landry will be unable to return in the next three weeks, so starting the clock this week is likely a non-issue.

If Cleveland felt Landry would be capable of contributing this week, you'd expect them to include him in walkthroughs and practices earlier in the week. But designating him to return opens the possibility of him being added to the active roster on Saturday and available on Sunday.

Most likely, we'll see Landry return in Week 7. If he is active, expect a limited number of snaps and few targets.

Sunday update: Landry was not moved to the active roster. He is likely to return Thursday night.

Kadarius Toney | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

Darius Slayton | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time decision

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

Toney is listed questionable but removed well in limited practices this week and is expected to play.

With Sterling Shepard returning and Toney available, the Giants could be cautious with Slayton, who is still working to return from a Week 3 hamstring strain.

Rashod Bateman | Core muscle | Designated to return | Expected to return

Bateman is expected to be added to the active roster and make his NFL debut. The Ravens will likely use him in limited practices only in his first week.

T.Y. Hilton | Neck | Designated to return | Expected to play

Hilton made a quick recovery from cervical spine surgery in late August. His procedure must have been less invasive than expected after gaining clearance for practice within two months.

Local writers believe Hilton practiced well enough to convince the team to move him to the active roster. Should that happen on Saturday, expect a limited set of routes and a gradual return to a full workload.

Sunday update: Hilton is on the active roster and expected to play.

Others of note: DK Metcalf (foot), DeAndre Hopkins (illness), Courtland Sutton (ankle), A.J. Brown (hamstring), Julio Jones (hamstring), Chase Claypool (hamstring), James Washington (groin), Sterling Shepard (hamstring), Darnell Mooney (groin), and Henry Ruggs (knee) are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Kenny Golladay (knee), Curtis Samuel (groin), Cam Sims (hamstring), Sammy Watkins (thigh), and DeVante Parker (shoulder, hamstring) are doubtful or have been declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

TIGHT END

T.J. Hockenson | Knee | Questionable | Expected to play

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

Hockenson played his usual number of snaps and saw more practice reps this week than last. He is expected to play through a nagging knee condition.

Others of note: Robert Tonyan Jr (knee), David Njoku (knee), and Darrell Daniels (illness) fully practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

PRACTICE PARTICIPATION, GAME STATUS REPORT, AND PLAYING EXPECTATIONS

Note: Asterisk denotes Monday night players who practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.